The Solheim Cup is edging ever closer, with the showpiece event sure to shine a bright spotlight on the spectacular Bernardus golf course, which is staging the match between Europe and the United States in the Netherlands from 11-13 September.
Providing insight behind what the players can expect to face, Head Professional Roel Verdonschot has identified three holes that could play a decisive role.
Firm surfaces, unpredictable rough and changeable wind will place a premium on commitment and decision-making throughout the week. However, Verdonschot believes the par-3 6th, par-3 15th and par-4 18th offer particularly strong potential for momentum swings and match-play drama.
His selections follow the Solheim Cup routing, with the 15th played as Bernardus’ regular 17th and the closing 18th as its regular 2nd.
Hole 6
The first of Verdonschot’s selections is a visually intimidating par-3 played entirely over water to a peninsula green. Although the putting surface appears relatively generous, its contours significantly reduce the area on which the ball can safely finish.
"The 6th has a large green, but the area where the ball will actually hold is very narrow - in practice, it can feel like a target of only around ten metres," shared Verdonschot.
"From the tee the players will use during the Solheim Cup, the shot is fully over the water. If you are slightly off line, you can quickly find the water and be in serious trouble. It is visually demanding and very penal."
Hole 15
Verdonschot’s favourite hole at Bernardus, the 15th arrives at a potentially critical stage of the match. Water protects the par-3, while the sheltered tee and surrounding tree line make the wind difficult to judge.
"The 15th is my favourite hole, both visually and strategically, but I also believe it is built for drama," shared Verdonschot. "Players must decide whether to take the risk and attack the pin for a short birdie opportunity or play towards the middle of the green and accept a longer putt. The tee is sheltered, so the wind can be difficult to feel, even though it is still influencing the shot."
Played as the 17th during the Dutch Open, the hole has already produced memorable tournament moments. Victor Perez holed a long-range putt there during the play-off on his way to winning in 2022, while Pablo Larrazábal took a more aggressive line and hit his tee shot close during his victory the following year.
"We have already seen very different approaches succeed on this hole," added Verdonschot. "That is why I believe the 15th has the greatest potential to decide a match or completely change its momentum."
Hole 18
The closing hole has consistently ranked as the most difficult at Bernardus during both tournament and everyday play.
Water threatens from the left of the tee, while bunkers await players attempting to play safely towards the right. The small green provides little respite, with a deep run-off to the left and water to the right.
"The 18th is the most difficult playing hole at Bernardus and it also happens to be the final hole during the Solheim Cup,” said Verdonschot.
"You face a tee shot that you cannot afford to miss left, but you do not want to miss right either. If a close match reaches the 18th, there is a very good chance of drama."
Across the course, Bernardus’ firm conditions and lack of conventional semi-rough mean balls can quickly run away from the intended target and into deeper grass. The course’s three distinct sections, framed by tree lines, can also cause the same wind to feel markedly different as players move around the layout.
"Players must decide whether to be aggressive or play more conservatively to avoid the uncertainty of the rough," explained Verdonschot. "Being closer to the hole does not always leave an easier shot, especially when the firm surfaces make it difficult to generate enough spin."
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The Solheim Cup set-up will showcase the same playing characteristics that define Bernardus throughout the year.
"The course will present itself as Bernardus normally does," concluded Verdonschot. "That means golfers visiting in the future can enjoy a very similar playing experience to the one the professionals will face during the Solheim Cup."
The 2026 Solheim Cup will take place at Bernardus Golf from 11-13 September, marking the first time the competition has been staged in the Netherlands.
To find out more, please visit: www.bernardusgolf.com and https://bernardusgolf.com/solheim-cup/.
